Kathieys Recipe Review "Parmesan- Roasted Potatoes & Squash

I try to make a new recipe weekly but this week I have had trouble finding the time.  So I went blog hopping to find something easy to go with an oldie but goodie meat loaf recipe I had.  I found "Parmesan- Roasted Potatoes and Squash on a blog called Big Girls Small Kitchen
Here is their recipe....

Parmesan-Roasted Potatoes and Squash
Serves 1

Ingredients

2 medium (1 cup) Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled & cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup winter squash, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Heat oven to 400° F.

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Toss to coat the potatoes. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Roast, stirring once, until golden brown and crisp, about 40 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

As usual I changed up things a bit.  I cut the potatoes and added some sliced onion.  I didn't use squash.  I put the veggies in a bowl and drizzled them with oil.  Stirred them up and placed them on a foil covered cookie sheet that was sprayed with Pam.

Then I sprinkled the potatoes and onions with Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Kosher Salt, and a touch of Parmesan Cheese.

Put them in a 400 degree oven and baked for 30-40 minutes.

They turned great.  I would make them again.  I guess I will give them an 8/10 on my cooking scale.  Easy and tasty:-)

So another fun meal.  Meat loaf, green salad with candied pecans and roasted potatoes.
Life is good:-)

Happy cooking everyone!
Enjoy your world:-)

Trying New Things...Kiwano Melon

One of my goals in starting this blog was to motivate myself to try new things.  Well, I was walking through the grocery store yesterday, in the produce section and noticed an odd looking fruit.  It is called a Kiwano Melon.  It was a bit pricey, just under $4.00 but a small price for adventure:-)  So I picked one up, but carefully it was a bit sharp.

I brought this odd looking thing home and began to research.  It was originally grown in Africa but today is grown in New Zealand and Calif.   It also goes by the name Devil Fruit & Horned Melon.  Most sites say the taste is mild, a mix of cucumber, banana, lime, & lemon flavors.

One online site said it is a great conversation starter.  I placed it on the dinner table and waited for Joe to come home.  He looked at it "what is that?".  What do you think it is was my reply. "It looks like a creature from the sea" he said.  Which it does.
The sea creature remained on the table while we had dinner.  We cleaned up and then readied ourselves for the cutting of the Horned Melon.

It actually was pretty.  Although it did not look like something I wanted to eat.  I found that some people actually scrape out all the seeds and use the shell to serve sorbet.  (Just don't touch the bowl:-)

I found that scraping out the shell was harder then it was described.  Since I was not going to make anything with the contents and all I wanted to do was taste it not serve sorbet in the shell, I just scraped out a small amount to try.

Nice color, but a bit slimy.  Do I really want to taste this?  Joe just looked at it and so a flat out "no" to the prospect of tasting it.  I on the other hand had to try.  I found it to be very mild.  I did not like the slimy texture but the flavors of cucumber, banana and lime were subtly.  Will I rush out to buy another Kiwano Melon? Probably not but it was a good experience.

As usual Brodie was underfoot wanting to try a taste.  I gave him a bit...he was not impressed:-)











Since some of you folks may want to try this melon.  I found a site for a recipe for you.http://www.melissas.com/Products/Products/Kiwano-Horned-Melon.aspx I will not be making anything with this fruit.  If anyone out there chooses to try one of these recipes let  me know how it turns out.

My Sunday Song "Alive Again" (1st attempt @ video:-)

Sunday Song "Alive Again" by Matt Maher

On this Sunday morning I find myself thinking about my family members that I loved and have lost in the last couple of years.  My Mom, my Dad, and my best friend & brother David.  All three of them had issues, as we all do, that, at times, make our lives less then happy in this world.  I hold onto God's promise that he loves and understands us even when we do not understand ourselves.  I hold onto the promise that he has made a better place for us, far beyond our imagination.  As I listen to the lyrics of this song I "know" they are "alive again" and in a better place, a peaceful, exciting, and happy place.

My Mom, Dorothy Hansen in her younger years.

My Dad, Leon Hansen

My brother, David Hansen (we were not close growing up, big age difference.)  When dad was dying he asked my brothers to "take care of your sister".  David took this request to heart.  We spoke on the phone nearly everyday, we grew to know each other & became friends.  As he struggled to take care of Bruce my brother with Down's Syndrome & coordinated the  care of my mom, we encouraged each other.  I could hear in his voice he was emotionally exhausted, caring for everyone with no financial help from Dad's estate.  I was worried he would start to drink again and he did.
Due to this he is gone.  I still hurt, but I know he is having fun in this perfect place that God has prepared for us:-)




Mom & Dad at their 50th wedding anniversary.















Lyrics "Alive Again" by Matt Maher


I woke up in darkness   surrounded by silence
oh where, where have I gone?  I woke to reality
losing its grip on me   oh where, where have I gone?
Cause I can see the light   before I see the sunrise

You called and you shouted  broke through my deafness
now I’m breathing in  and breathing out  I’m alive again!
You shattered my darkness  washed away my blindness
now I’m breathing in  and breathing out
I’m alive again!
Late have I loved you,  you waited for me,
I searched for you…  what took me so long?
I was looking outside  as if love would ever want to hide
I’m finding I was wrong  
Cause I can feel the wind   before it hits my skin
You called and you shouted   broke through my deafness
now I’m breathing in  and breathing out
I’m alive again!
You shattered my darkness  washed away my blindness
now I’m breathing in  and breathing out
I’m alive again!  I’m alive again!
Cause I want you!  Yes, I want you,
I need you  And I’ll do what ever I have to
Just to get through  cause I love you Yeah, I love you!
You called and you shouted  broke through my deafness
now I’m breathing in  and breathing out
I’m alive again!
You shattered my darkness washed away my blindness
now I’m breathing in  and breathing out
I’m alive again!

Trying new things.."Sharis Berries" :-)

Look what Joe and I got in the mail.  A gift from Sharis Berries.http://www.berries.com/  Yummy!  Now, after enjoying the chocolate covered strawberries and cheesecake, I will have to go out with Brodie and run 5 miles.  But it was worth it:-)

My first experience with Sharis Berries was on Valentines Day.  Joe surprised me with a box of chocolate covered strawberries.  I enjoyed them so much I sent a box to Steph and Josh for Easter. 

They are not cheap but they do make a wonderful gift for someone special.  You are probably thinking Kathiey how could you spend so much money on yourself?  Truth be told they made a minor error in shipping Steph and Josh their Easter gift and they gave me a free gift in apology.  Friendly people and great costumer service!






I made up sample plates for Joe and I to try.  It was very good, but we could not finish it all.  There is still a bunch in the fridge, luckily Erica came home this weekend so she can help us out.

Brodie is more then willing to help us out but as you know dogs and chocolate do not mix well.  Although I did give him a taste of the cheesecake, he loved it:-)

"Forever" final book review. (Book motivation to fix up my fireplace:-)

I had to finally put this book down.  I managed to get to around 400 pages and found myself skipping several pages at a time, and realized I could not continue this book.  I was bored. As I mentioned before I usually try to take something from the books I read and apply it to my life.  In order to do this I returned to the beginning of the book.
I found in my reading that the Irish of that time relied heavily on folklore and superstition. Much of it centered around the hearth.

With the hearth in mind I went to my fireplace and went to work.

I cleared everything away and started with a blank slate.
Vacuumed and dusted the entire hearth area.

Removed the old candles that have been on this stand at least 2 years.  Cleaned it up as best I could

Went to Michael's and bought some vanilla candles for the stand. I had shopped around and found candles anywhere from $5 to $20 apiece.  When I found these for less then $2 per candle I scooped them up.

Then I arranged the things I already had, on and around the mantle.

I lit the candles and sat back and smiled.  It looked nice:-)















As far as my personal thoughts on "Forever" by Pete Hamill.  I would have to give it a 3/10 on my book scale.  It was long.  There were good parts but they were overshadowed by what were to me not so good parts. I love historical fiction but this was more fiction then history, and not the kind of fiction I enjoy reading.  So unless you want to fix up your fireplace....stay away:-)
Happy Reading:-)

"Forever".....Kathiey's Books..continued.

I am now on page 336 of 608 pages.  I must admit I am ready to move on to a new book but I am determined to finish. Why, you may ask?  Just plain stubborn I guess:-)
This book was given great reviews on line and I love historical fiction novels.  Although, there are things about this book I don't love, that I don't need to know...And that would be "some" of the fiction.  The dreaded word that begins with an "F" is one of those things.  Although I can see it used on occasion for emphasis, enough is enough.  I have seen this word used not only in todays language in this book but also converted to old english....did they even use that word then??  Body parts....I do not need graphic descriptions of body parts.  I find myself skipping pages to get back to the history of NYC.
Thankfully, I have learned a bit about American history.  I have read about the awful conditions on board the ships that brought folks from Ireland to America and the many thousands that died.  I have learned that even if people made it to America that it was not an easy life, not the life they had hoped for.  I've read about slaves & indentured servants, the Revolutionary War & George Washington.  I now know we are blessed to have sewage systems that work after reading about how awful NYC was before this technology was developed.  Awful!
As you know I like to take something from the books I read and apply it to my life.  I think in order to do this I will have to return to the beginning of the book, to a time of family and innocence in young Cormac's life.  But you never know, I am "sadly" not finished the book yet.
Happy Reading!!:-)

Kathiey's Recipe Review.

I love to try new recipes.  I usually rate them on a scale of 1-10, with anything 8 or above a definite remake!  This week I took on three recipes.  Tuna Macaroni Salad, "Michelle's Awesome Crock Pot Roast", and Lemon Pound Cake.
I found Michelle's Awesome Crock Pot Roast at Recipezarr.http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Michelles-Awesome-Crock-Pot-Pot-Roast-146894
(You will see all my changes written in red:-)
Michelle's Awesome Crock Pot Pot Roast

Recipe #146894 | 6¼ hours | 10 min prep

SERVES 4 -6 (change servings and units)

Ingredients

• 1 (2 lb)  beef roast
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I used 1 can of cream of celery instead of mushroom)
• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (if you do not have beef bouillon, can use a onion soup mix instead, just as good) (I did not use the bouillon, I used one packet of Lipton onion soup mix)
• (I also added 1 cup of water, which made a wonderful gravy:-)

Directions

1. 1

   Put all ingredients in a crock pot (I sprayed the crock pot lightly with Pam.  Put the roast in.  Mixed the other ingredients and poured them over the roast.  Placed the crock pot on low and let it cook all day.

The roast is really good.  You can serve the gravy over rice, noodles or potatoes.  We love it served over Bob Evan's Mashed Potatoes:)

I wanted something easy for dinner that I could just make and stick in the fridge.  Something that was inexpensive and that would last a couple of days.  So I made Tuna Macaroni Salad.  I looked at a few recipes and just threw a few things together so I don't have an exact recipe for you.  It is just a matter of personal taste.  

Tuna Macaroni Salad
*16 oz elbow macaroni
*12 oz solid white tuna
1 & 1/2 - 2 cups of mayo (it is nice to have a bit left over to add later if needed)
Add to taste if desired...
Sugar ( I probably added about 2 tablespoons maybe more:-)
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice (Couple of table spoons to make a nice consistency)
*Add as desired
Cucumber, celery, green pepper, onion, 
Cherry tomatoes (this is the only thing in this group I added)
Directions
Cook Macaroni according to package directions.
Drain and rinse with cold water, set aside.
Cut any veggies you want to add and set aside
Flake tuna and set aside.
Mix your mayo with sugar, salt, pepper and lemon juice
Then put it all together and refrigerate.   Easy and lasts   several days:-)

Last but not least I tried a lemon pound cake I found at a site called Italian Dessert Recipes.  I made it exactly like the recipe.  It was good but I would probably only give it a 6/10 on my scale.  It was a bit dry.

Brodie really wanted to help.  I don't let him help me cook but he usually gets a taste of the results. He is my favorite critic.  Always happy.  although he did not seem to like the lemon sauce that went on the pound cake.  But I enjoyed his reaction:-)

Happy Cooking Everyone:-)

Sunday Song "I Still Believe" by Jeremy Camp

After church today I found myself driving down the road listening to K-Love.  I heard a song that brought back memories, a song with lyrics all so true.  No matter what happens in our lives, good or bad, Lord help us to always remember your love for us and to believe.......

I Still Believe lyrics

Songwriters: Camp, Jeremy;

Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
Seems I don't know where to start

But it's now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain

'Cause I still believe in Your faithfulness
'Cause I still believe in Your truth
'Cause I still believe in Your Holy Word
Even when I don't see, I still believe

Though the questions still fog up my mind

With promises I still seem to bear

For even when answers slowly unwind
It's my heart I see You prepare

But it's now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain

'Cause I still believe in Your faithfulness
'Cause I still believe in Your truth
'Cause I still believe in Your Holy Word
Even when I don't see, I still believe

Well the only place I can go is into Your arms
Where I throw to You my feeble prayers
Well in brokenness I can see that this is Your will for me
Well help me to know that You are near

'Cause I still believe in Your faithfulness
'Cause I still believe in Your truth
'Cause I still believe in Your Holy Word
Even when I don't see, 'cause I still believe

Exploring Kathiey's World....Airlie Gardens, Wilmington NC

Erica and I headed from the Azalea Festival in downtown Wilmington to Airlie Gardens.  http://www.airliegardens.org/  What a beautiful place.  Trees, flowers, & plants of many types.  An old church and cemetery are on the property as well.  Along with statues, fountains, & lakes surrounded by trees draped in spanish moss.  I highly recommend you visit.  I will look forward to returning again:-)

Exploring Kathiey's World, Wilmington NC.

Last weekend I found myself in Wilmington NC with my daughter Erica.  We decided to attend the annual Azalea Festival http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/
They have a parade, garden tours, open homes, crafts, and local vendors selling their wares.  We got up early & had breakfast at Ezzells, one of Erica's favorite breakfast spots http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090422/ARTICLES/904224008?Title=Dining-Review-Breakfast-served-round-the-clock-at-Ezzell-s  Then we caught the shuttle to downtown Wilmington.
We had watched the parade the year before so we spent most of the time on our own walking tour.  In just a few short blocks we saw beautiful victorian homes, gardens, & churches.  I would have loved to have covered more territory but we wanted to visit Airlie Gardens that day also.  So we hopped on the shuttle and headed back to our car and then off to Airlie Gardens..(post to follow:-)